The app, whose removal was first reported by The Guardian, was released last week. Paul McGowan, HMV's chairman, said that Apple "politely" asked the retailer to remove the app on Monday and that HMV "politely declined" the request.

McGowan says Apple then demanded HMV alter the app to remove the digital music store within a matter of hours, then pulled the app from the App Store after HMV was unable to make the deadline. McGowan called the deadline "unrealistic" and said it was "disapointing that Apple has chosen to suspend an app that has proven to be very successful in only a few short days."

HMV said in a statement that the app had been downloaded more than 10,000 times since it hit the iOS and Google Play stores on Oct. 17, and that the company was working diligently to make changes that would allow it to be replaced in the App Store.

"HMV's developers are working around the clock to deliver an updated version of the iOS app for Apple's approval which will retain the innovative Image Search and Sound Search functionality to discover music and listen to 30 second previews," the statement said. HMV also noted that the app-based music store would be replaced with functionality allowing users to manage their music purchased via the company's HTML5 shop, similar to services offered by Amazon and Google.

The app was reportedly removed for violating clause 11.13 of Apple's iOS developer guidelines— "Apps using IAP to purchase physical goods or goods and services used outside of the application will be rejected."